Back to previous page

Hat Head National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Hat Head National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    From Kempsey:

    • From the Pacific Highway take the South West Rocks Road to Kinchela.
    • Follow the signs to Hat Head National Park


    From Nambucca Heads:

    • From the Pacific Highway take the South West Rocks Road via Gladstone
    • Turn right onto the Hat Head Road at Kinchela and follow to the park

    Park entry points

    Road quality

    • Unsealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW for more information.

    By public transport

    For information about public transport options, visit the NSW country transport info website

    Best times to visit

    This park's sweeping beaches are extremely inviting during summer, but its wildlife and walking tracks make it a joy to visit all year round.

    Spring

    A birdwatcher's delight as the heath shrubland bursts into a kaleidoscope of wild flowers and birds come from all around, listen out for the guttural call of glossy black cockatoos.

    Summer

    Take a coastal bushwalk to experience wildflower displays amongst the banksias.

    Winter

    Spot humpback and southern right whales migrating to northern waters between May and July.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    19°C and 26°C

    Highest recorded

    41.7°C (1968)

    Winter temperature

    Average

    13°C and 20°C

    Lowest recorded

    4°C (1997)

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    343.7mm

    Facilities

    Maps and downloads

    Fees and passes

    Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day.

    • All Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (including Kosciuszko NP) $190 (1 year) / $335 (2 years)
      Buy now | More info
    • Multi Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (except Kosciuszko) $65 (1 year) / $115 (2 years)
      Buy now | More info
    • Country Parks Pass - For all parks in Country NSW (except Kosciuszko) $45 (1 year) / $75 (2 years)
      Buy now | More info
    • Single Country Park Pass - For entry to a single park in country NSW (except Kosciuszko). $22 (1 year) / $40 (2 years)
      Buy now | More info

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Prohibited

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Hat Head National Park

    Contact

    Nearby towns

    South West Rocks (5 km)

    South West Rocks is a sleepy coastal retreat at its barefoot best. It's an oceanfront holiday town on north-facing Trial Bay.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Kempsey (32 km)

    Kempsey is a historic river town close to national parks and majestic beaches. Kempsey is a convenient place for an overnight stop for anyone driving between Sydney and the North Coast.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Crescent Head (51 km)

    Crescent Head on the NSW North Coast is surrounded by some of the stunning natural environments in the State. As well as long stretches of coastline with fabulous beaches, there is a string on coastal national parks to explore. Go surfing, fishing, boating and bushwalking, enjoy bird watching or whale watching, spot dolphins, turtles and even koalas in the wild.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Why create an account?

    • Create lists of your next adventures
    • Get closure alerts by email
    • Save your personal info to make it fast and easy to fill in trip intention forms
    • And more features coming soon